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Banff, Alberta

This magical resort town is nestled within Banff National Park and provides the best access to the area's world-class outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Top Spots in and near Banff

  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike to the Hoodoos, Banff

    5.0
    3 mi / 295.3 ft gain
    The beginning of this hike is easily accessed from the town center of Banff by the Bow river. Perfect for those without a car! Follow the trail on the side closest to town as it leads up the Bow River and into the forest following the signs for Hoodoos Loop.The hike is 4.8km one way, leading arou...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike Tunnel Mountain, Banff

    4.0
    2.7 mi / 984.3 ft gain
    The lower trailhead is only a short walk from Downtown Banff. Head east on Wolf street and up St. Julien Road and you will see the trailhead shortly after passing Wolverine street.There is also a upper trailhead on Tunnel Mountain Drive across from the carpark and viewpoint. Although this is clos...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Rock Climb Plutonian Shores in Banff

    1.0
    To get to the base of the climb, you must brave the (hordes of) tourists at the Cave and Basin Historical Site in Banff. This requires a park pass and calloused elbows fit for pushing your way through crowds. Or an alarm clock to get up early - the visitor centre is only open after 9 AM and this ...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Explore Vermillion Lakes in Banff National Park

    4.7
    Vermillion Lakes is one of the best spot's in Banff to catch a sunrise or sunset depending on the season. Although it's one of the most popular locations for photographers, there are so many different areas around the lakes that you'll never feel like it's too crowded. Mount Rundle can be photogr...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Rock Climb Escargot Corner

    6 Pitches5.6-5.8 Climbing Sustained climbing for the grade. You follow up 2 right facing corners with some face climbing.I really enjoyed this route and found it worth the long approach. Approach requires a few hours of consistent elevation gain and fair bit of scrambling. If you don’t know where...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Take in the View at the Mount Norquay Green Spot

    3.5
    The "Green Spot" is a beautiful grassy slope that opens up to sweeping views of downtown Banff and the surrounding area.  It's a great spot for photography, especially capturing the peak of Mt. Rundle.  There's also a set of chairs conveniently placed on the slope so you can kick back and enjoy t...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park

    5.0
    6.8 mi
    This is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day! Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Hike Cascade Mountain, Banff NP

    7.5 mi / 4800 ft gain
    From Banff, follow the Norquay Road (the west access road to Banff) up to Mt. Norquay Ski Area. The trail begins from the day lodge at the far end of the first parking lot on the right.Walk by the front of the day lodge and follow a service roaddown through the ski area past the base of three cha...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Ski at Mount Norquay

    5.0
    Oh, small but mighty Norquay! You might not hear as much about this gem as you do its larger siblings in the area, but don’t underestimate its charm or gnarly terrain. While we couldn’t quite access all of the nooks and crannies at the beginning of the season, old-timers regaled us with tales com...
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  • Banff, Alberta

    Snowshoe Mt. Norquay

    2.2 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From Banff:Take the shuttle from the town lot to Mt. Norquay Ski Lodge, it is $10 CAD one way or $15 roundtrip, but you may want to walk back. If you decide to walk back there are two options; the road or the beautiful mountain trail. The trail head can be easily picked up in the parking lot, hik...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Explore Lake Minnewanka

    4.2
    Head up to Lake Minnewanka on a high alert night to get the perfect view of the Canadian Northern Lights. You can go online to get updates on the best times to go and where they will be the brightest. While the dam at the lake may be overrun with people, explore around and you can find a nice emp...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike the Cory & Edith Pass Trail

    4.0
    9.3 mi / 3002 ft gain
    Going west from Banff, take the first exit for Highway 1A (Bow Valley Parkway). Take the first right up to the fireside picnic area and begin your hike here.  The first 5kms of the hike climb uphill through the forest, making up most of the 915m elevation gain. Watch for trail markers over the ro...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Hike to the Hermit of Inglismaldie

    4.0
    2 mi / 34 ft gain
    As you drive towards Johnson Lake, the road will end at a parking lot where you should park. There are restrooms and picnic tables located in this same area.  Due to the low elevation, the trail around Johnson Lake is a gentle walk, but trail conditions should always be checked especially during ...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Snowshoe to Johnson Lake

    2 mi
    This is a well-traveled hike, so if you stay on the path, you'll likely need only a good pair of boots. However, in the middle of winter, the lake freezes solid, and you might enjoy exploring a little out on the frozen lake like we did. Snowshoes definitely came in handy out there.This is a very ...
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  • Sawback, Alberta

    Ice Climbing at Bear Spirit

    From the parking lot head East for about 200m, to find the trail that heads North. The trail follows the riverbed for about 45 minutes and in parts is washed out. A piece of flagging tape and a downed tree that is used as a bench marks the point where the trail gets tougher. At this point you wil...
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  • Improvement District No. 9, Alberta

    Explore Bankhead Ghost Town

    5.0
    0.81 mi / 37 ft gain
    Bankhead is a ghost town which flanks Cascade Mountain and lies just south of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. The main portion of the ghost town is located in Lower Bankhead, which can be reach by traveling North on Range Rd 1158 (closed Nov - Apr), following the signs to Lake Minnewanka....
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Guides, Insights and Stories from Banff

A Winter Photography Tour in the Canadian Rockies

A Winter Photography Tour in the Canadian Rockies

Nick Palastro

An Early June Photography Tour of the Canadian Rockies

An Early June Photography Tour of the Canadian Rockies

Nick Palastro

It's Time to Plan Your Ski Trip to the Canadian Rockies

It's Time to Plan Your Ski Trip to the Canadian Rockies

Kyle Frost

When Crowds Are Well Worth the View: Exploring Banff National Park

When Crowds Are Well Worth the View: Exploring Banff National Park

Karissa Frye

Here’s How to Avoid the Summer Crowds in Banff and Jasper National Parks

Here’s How to Avoid the Summer Crowds in Banff and Jasper National Parks

Matt Van Swol

5 Adventures for One Epic Day in Banff National Park

5 Adventures for One Epic Day in Banff National Park

Alyssa + Hannah ODYSEA